Sangre de Cristo

The most problematic slopes are near and above treeline, where strong winds have drifted layers of hard snow over softer snow layers. Avalanches near the surface may trigger more dangerous slides that break on weak layers in the middle or bottom of the snowpack. Look for and avoid areas beneath ridgelines or cornices, and on steep sidewalls of gullies where you find evidence of drifting like lens-shaped pillows of snow or a hard, sculpted snow surface. If you see cracking in the snow, seek out wind-sheltered slopes lower in the terrain for safer options.